Game board apparatus

ABSTRACT

A game board apparatus exhibiting a playing field for supporting thereupon a movable object introduced at a launch area located at one end of the playing field. A target area is positioned at a further location of the playing field for receiving the object. One or more obstacles are further located between the launch and target area and which are configured to modify a direction of travel of the object, such as to eliminate any linear path from the launch area to the target area, thus necessitating that the objects instead move along paths dictated by the obstacle(s) in order to reach the target area from the launch area.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 61/216,865 filed on May 26, 2009.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a game board apparatus exhibiting a playing field and a movable object rolling along the field between a launch end and a target area with one or more obstacles positioned there between to prevent linear travel of the object and to encourage travel along a direction influenced by any one or more of the obstacles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Nowadays, video games are one of the most popular forms of gaming device amongst teens and young adults. While the games are entertaining for a solo player, there is a lack when it comes to face-to-face human interactions. The classic board games which promote competition and camaraderie with friends and family are not lost. Friends and families alike still enjoy the Saturday game night or great Thursday bowling league. Humans thrive with personal interactions, and search for new ways to keep the fun alive.

In the search for personal interactions and overall fun, people like to be challenged and seek games of skill for this purpose. Many board games leave the outcome to chance, requiring merely the roll of the dice or the roll of a ball that deflects off a peg in an advantageous manner. These games, although they can be fun, do not require the technical skill and technique that most people enjoy.

Games like bowling or shuffle board provide the aspects of fun and technical skill to entertain numerous players. These games allow the player to send a ball or disk across a playing surface to strategically either knock down pins or land at a desired location. While these particular games are fun, another element of skill could be added to increase the enjoyment. Thus there is a need to a game which not only sends a ball or a disk across a playing field but also includes a more challenging aspect to stimulate fun and excitement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a game board apparatus which is configured to increase the technical skill and technique required by players. A playing field is provided and exhibits a launch area at one end for launching a movable object, such as a ball. A target area is configured at a generally opposite end of the playing field for receiving the moveable object introduced from the launch area.

One or more obstacles are positioned between the launch area and target area, each of which being configured to eliminate any linear path of the movable object from the launch area to the target area, such that the movable object must move along a direction influenced by the obstacle(s) in order to reach the target area. The obstacle(s) each include at least one curved surface over which the movable object must travel to reach the target area. The target area may include a plurality of pockets to receive the movable object after it moves from the launch area and past the obstacle(s).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the attached drawings, when read in combination with the following detailed description, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a top view of an embodiment of a game board apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cutaway view of the game board apparatus taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1 and illustrating a concave shaped obstacle;

FIG. 3 is an alternative sectional view of a game board apparatus similar to that shown in FIG. 2 and depicting a convex shaped obstacle;

FIG. 4 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a game board incorporating a stick for initiating travel of an object;

FIG. 5 is a cutaway view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4 and illustrating a side profile of the playing field;

FIG. 6 is a further cutaway view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 4 and illustrating a widthwise established undulating pattern exhibited by the a pair of obstacles;

FIG. 7 is a further cutaway view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 4 and showing the obstacles to exhibit rounded or smoothed edges for facilitating movement of the object along the playing field surface;

FIG. 8 is a top view of a third embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8 and illustrating in side profile the features of the apparatus which also include a return chute and collection pocket located approximate a launch ramp.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference now to the drawings, similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout several views. Referring to FIG. 1, a top view of a game board is generally illustrated at 100 and which depicts a playing field 101. Without limitation as depicted throughout the several illustrated embodiments, as well as is further contemplated by additional embodiments envisioned but not shown, the playing field 101 can include any three dimensional playing surface (also contemplated to include a flat surface with concave depressions or convex protrusions as given locations) and which may be surrounded on all sides by an interconnecting perimeter or wall 102. The perimeter defining wall 102 can further include the provision of a bumper 103.

The game board 100 may be constructed to sit upon a table or it may be constructed to have supporting legs that are already attached. The game board 100 may exhibit any desired size or dimension and, in one non-limiting variant, may be of the standard size exhibiting 3′ by 6′, such as depending on a particular construction for the players' needs or desires. Also, the game board 100 may be constructed from any desired material not limited to any of wood, vacuum formed plastic, molded fiberglass, or any composite material which would be understood may someone skilled in the art to withstand normal game play. The playing field 101 may be covered adhesively with a felt like material.

A starting or launch area or section 104 is located at a generally first end of the playing field 101, at which point a user (not shown) introduces any type of movable object, identified herein as a traveler 106 and such as which is generally understood to include any type of rollable or traversable object exhibiting any curved/arcuate/rounded consistency such as further a suitably dimensioned ball in order to encourage traverse across the playing field 101. Without limitation, the movable object may also be configured as any of a puck, disc or other shape which may allow it to glide or displace in some desired fashion along the playing field 101.

A line 105 is referenced in FIG. 1 and which may indicate a boundary established between the launching area 104 and a main area of the playing field 101. A target area 108 is generally located at a point upon the playing field 101 proximate an opposite end with respect to the launching area 104. As further shown in FIG. 1, an obstacle 107 is depicted at a generally midpoint location of the playing field 101 between the launching area 104 and the target area 108. Without limitation, the obstacle 107 may include one or more curved surfaces the configuration of which may obstruct any otherwise linear path favored by travel of the traveler 106 such as upon an otherwise flat or level surface from the launching area 104 to the target area 107.

In other words, when the ball 106 starts moving at the launch area 104 and subsequently along the playing field 101, it must pass through the obstacle 107 in order to reach the target area 107. The dotted line on FIG. 1 illustrates the path of movement for the traveler 106 along the playing field 101 to the target area 108.

In use, and while playing the game, associated game rules prohibit the player from contact with the traveler 106 after it passes the line 105, thus leaving the launching area 104. The skill involved comes in how the player pushes the traveler 106 so that it rolls strategically along the playing field 101. The angle, speed and spin that the player may add to the traveler 106, all effect how the traveler 106 will move across the obstacle 107 and if the traveler 106 will reach the target area 108.

Referring to the cutaway of FIG. 2, a section of the game board 100 is shown. The wall 102 is shown with the bumper 103 attached. The bumper 103 allows for the traveler 106 to be deflected from the wall 102 and move in another direction along the playing field 101. A variation of the obstacle is further depicted generally at 107 a as a concave or depression shaping within the playing field 101. The obstacle 107 a may allow the traveler 106 to roll into the concave and subsequently roll out (such as again in a manner so that any previous direction of travel is modified).

In use, and if the player does not exert an adequate degree of force to roll the traveler 106, then the traveler 106 may remain within the concave of obstacle 107 a. The traveler 106 may also roll into the target area 108 after rolling through the concave obstacle 107 a. A leg 108 may be constructed under the board game 100 to either place the game board 100 upon a table or allow the game board 100 to stand on its own.

Referring to FIG. 3, an alternative sectional view is shown of the game board 100. The obstacle is further depicted at 107 b illustrated as a convexed obstacle, mound or bulge over which the traveler 106 may roll or otherwise traverse. With this alternatively configured obstacle 107 b, the player must use enough force to roll the traveler 106 over the mound 107 b or the traveler 106 will return to the player at the launching area 104. If the traveler 106 has enough force then it may roll beyond the obstacle 107 b and into the target area 108. Once again, a leg 109 may be constructed under the board game 100 to either place the game board 100 upon a table or allow the game board 100 to stand on its own.

Referring now to FIG. 4 a top view of an alternative embodiment of the game board 200 is shown. A playing field 201 may be surrounded on three sides by an interconnecting perimeter or wall 202 which may again include a bumper 203. One or more sides of the game board 200 can be configured with either a modified dimensioned wall 202, and such as which may be located at one end of the elongated portion of the game board 200 which may contain a shortened wall 204 without a bumper.

Adjacent to the shortened wall (such as located at an introduction or launch area) may be a trough or tray 205. Adjacent to the trough 205 may be located a suitably configured launch area 206 specific to this variant. The launch area 206 is again where a traveler 207 (similar in respects to that previously depicted in FIGS. 1-3 at 106) may start rolling. The traveler 207 may be struck by a stick 208 to start movement. The stick 208 may be a cue stick, mallet or other device to strike the traveler to initiate movement.

In a generally central or mid portion of the playing field are illustrated one or more obstacles 209 a, 209 b and 210. The obstacles 209 a, 209 b, and 210 (without limitation) may be shaped as concaved depressions or mounds which may allow the traveler 207 to travel across them easily. The obstacles 209 a, 209 b, and 210 may be situated directly adjacent to each other (as generally illustrated), may be reconfigured so as to exhibit a partially overlapping pattern such as to enhance a difficulty level of the playing field 201 or may be spaced apart.

A target area may be located on an opposite side of the obstacles 209 a, 209 b and 210 relative the launch area 206. As shown, the target area may contain a plurality of pockets 211 a, 211 b, 212 a, 212 b, 213 a, 213 b and 214 such as which are depicted without limitation in a generally “U” shaped or winding perimeter around and behind a largest rear obstacle 210. Each pocket in the plurality of pockets 211 a, 211 b, 212 a, 212 b, 213 a, 213 b and 214 may be shallow enough for the traveler 107 to rest, yet easy enough for a second traveler (not shown) to knock it out of the pocket. According to a desired game play rule, each pocket 211 a, 211 b, 212 a, 212 b, 213 a, 213 b and 214 may represent a different numeric value, such that the player may earn points represented by the assigned numeric value when the traveler 207 is caused to rest within the corresponding pocket. Multiple travelers may be used to correspond with the number of players or with the number of rolls or turns that each player may have. When a traveler 207 is not in use, it may be stored in the trough 205.

Referring to FIG. 5 a diagram illustrating the sectional view through the center of the game board along the line 5-5 of the game board 200 of an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown. A playing field 201 as depicted in this variant may encompass a majority if not all of the game board 200. A perimeter extending wall 202 may again incorporate a bumper 203 which may be configured along an inside portion of the wall 202. As further shown, FIG. 5 illustrates the shortened wall 204 shown across an inlet/launch area and which may be dimensioned as necessary so that the stick 208 may have sufficient clearance to strike the traveler 207 to initiate movement.

The proximately located trough 205 is also depicted as lower than the playing field 201 such as in to hold or store one or more traveler 207. The obstacle 210 is shown as a concave shape in side cutaway, but is again understood as capable of being reconfigured so to exhibit any desired convex mound or bulge shaping. The selected pocket 214 illustrated depicts how each of the pockets 211 a, 211 b, 212 a, 212 b, 213 a, 213 b and 214 may be dimensioned so as to be deep enough for the traveler 207 to come to rest, the pockets further being configured according to the desired rules of play to be shallow enough for another traveler to knock an initially positioned traveler out of place, as well as bump such a traveler into another pocket or move it back into one of the obstacles 209 a, 209 b or 210. Table legs 215 a and 215 b may be utilized as shown in FIG. 5 to allow the game board 200 to stand on its own or on top of a table.

Referring to FIG. 6, a sectional view is shown along line 6-6 taken form FIG. 4 of a game board according to a slightly modified alternative embodiment and which includes obstacles depicted at 209 a and 209 b which may be constructed to have rounded or smoothed edges (also understood to encompass a generally undulating or wave-like pattern) so as to allow the traveler 207 to roll or glide easily along the surface of the playing field 201. The obstacles 209 a and 209 b may be situated directly adjacent to each other (as shown) or they may have some space between them.

Referring to FIG. 7 the sectional view through an alternative embodiment of the game board 200 along the line 7-7 is shown. The obstacles 209 b and 210 may have rounded or smooth edges to allow the traveler 207 to easily move along the surface of the playing field 201. The obstacles 209 b and 210 may be situated directly adjacent to each other (as shown) or there may be some space between them. The pocket 213 a may be smaller and shallower than the obstacles 209 b and 210.

Referring to FIG. 8, a top plan view is shown of a diagram illustrating a third embodiment of a game board 300. This embodiment is similarly designed like the second embodiment of the game board 200, wherein there may be a playing field 301, surrounded on three sides by a wall 302 with a bumper 303. There may again be a start or launch area 304 wherein the traveler (as previously depicted at either 106 or 207) may start movement.

Also depicted are three obstacles 305 a, 305 b and 307 which may each be constructed as a concave or smoothed depression or a convex mound or bulge. The obstacles 305 a, 305 b and 307 may also contain centrally located holes as respectively shown at 306 a, 306 b and 308. The holes 306 a, 306 b and 308 may be dimensioned wide enough to allow the traveler to fit through easily after rolling into a selected and associated obstacle 305 a, 305 b or 307.

The target area may be located on the opposite side of the obstacles 305 a and 305 b from the launch area 304, and may or may not include the obstacle 307. The target area may further include a plurality of pockets shown at 309 a, 309 b, 310 a, 310 b, 311 a, 311 b and 312. Numerical values may be assigned to specific pockets 309 a, 309 b, 310 a, 310 b, 311 a, 311 b or 312, with the numerical values corresponding to point values while playing the game. A tray 313 may collect or store the travelers, and may be constructed adjacent to the start or launch area 304.

Referring finally to FIG. 9 a sectional view is shown taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8 and depicting a further desired embodiment of game board 300. Similar to the game board 200, the game board 300 may contain a playing field 301, which may be surrounded on three sides by a wall 302 with a bumper 303. The game board 300 may also contain a leg or support 316. The concave shaped obstacle shown at 307 may be larger in width and depth than the pocket 312.

The hole 308 may be suitably dimensioned to allow the traveler to fall through the playing field 301 and land into a chute 315. As shown, the chute 315 may guide the traveler to roll under the playing field 301 and into the tray 313, which may again collect or store multiple travelers. FIG. 9 also illustrates the ramp 314 which may initiate movement of the traveler on the playing field 301. The ramp 314 may have a height of varying degree which corresponds to the length of the game board 300 and the starting area 304.

According to one non-limiting variant of game play, a player may roll the traveler down the ramp 314, through one or more of the obstacles 305 a, 305 b and 307 and into a hole 306 a, 306 b or 308 or into one of the pockets 309 a, 309 b, 310 a, 310 b, 311 a, 311 b or 312 in the target area. The skill of the player in deciding the angle, speed and spin of the traveler may help them to maneuver the traveler along the playing field 301.

Multiple travelers may be used, and various colors may be assigned to the travelers for various players. The numerical values assigned to the pockets 309 a, 309 b, 310 a, 310 b, 311 a, 311 b and 312 may represent point values which may be added as a score for the player(s). Once the traveler of one player rolls into a pocket 309 a, 309 b, 310 a, 310 b, 311 a, 311 b or 312, another traveler may knock out or remove the first traveler from the pocket 309 a, 309 b, 310 a, 310 b, 311 a, 311 b or 312. The removed traveler may then either roll into another pocket 309 a, 309 b, 310 a, 310 b, 311 a, 311 b or 312 or into an obstacle 305 a, 305 b or 307. If the traveler rolls into the obstacle 305 a, 305 b or 307, it may be returned to the tray 313 by means of the chute 315. After the traveler returns to the tray 313, it may be rolled during the present game or held until a new game is started.

Having described my invention, other and additional preferred embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, and without deviating from the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A game board apparatus, comprising: a body exhibiting a playing field for supporting thereupon a movable object introduced at a launch area located at one end of said playing field; a target area at a further location of the playing field for receiving the object from said launch area; and at least one obstacle located between said launch and target areas and configured to modify a direction of travel of said object in order to reach said target area.
 2. The game board apparatus according to claim 1, said movable object further comprising a ball.
 3. The game board apparatus according to claim 1, said obstacle further comprising a concave depression through which said movable object must travel to reach said target area.
 4. The game board apparatus according to claim 1, said obstacle further comprising a convex mound over which said movable object must travel to reach said target area.
 5. The game board apparatus according to claim 1, said obstacle further comprising at least one of a curved or undulating pattern over which said movable object must travel to reach said target area.
 6. The game board apparatus according to claim 1, said target area further comprising a plurality of pockets for receiving said movable object.
 7. The game board apparatus according to claim 1, said body further comprising a ramp located at said launch area for initiating movement of said movable object toward said obstacles and said target area.
 8. The game board apparatus according claim 1, further comprising a cue stick for initiating movement of said movable object toward said obstacle and said target area.
 9. A board game apparatus comprising: a playing field, and a traveler for moving along said playing field, said playing field having a launch area at one end for launching said traveler; a target area at an opposite end of said playing field, said target area having a plurality of pockets for receiving said traveler that is launched from said playing field, and a curved obstacle between said launch area and said target area, wherein said curved obstacle eliminates any linear path from said launch area to any pocket of said plurality of pockets so that said traveler must move along said obstacle to reach any pocket of said plurality of pockets from said launch area.
 10. The board game apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said traveler is a roller or a ball that rolls along said playing field to land in one of said plurality of pockets in said target area and said curved obstacle is at least one concave depression or at least one convex mound.
 11. The board game apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said launch area includes a ramp for launching said traveler.
 12. The board game apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a stick.
 13. A playing field game board apparatus comprising; a starting area at an end of said playing field; a target area at an opposite end of said playing field including a plurality of scoring pockets; an obstacle situated between said starting area and said target area, said obstacle containing a plurality of smoothed depressions for restricting any linear path exhibited by said a ball from said starting area to said target area; and said ball, upon being launched from said starting area, being configured to pass through one of said plurality of smoothed depressions within said obstacle and in order to land in one of said plurality of scoring pockets.
 14. The playing field game board apparatus according to claim 13 wherein said launch area includes a ramp for launching said traveler.
 15. The playing field game board apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising a stick. 